Tag Archive for: Gold

OAS Products and Formartine FC’s Journey to Gold

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OAS Products and Formartine FC’s Journey to Gold: In the rugged terrain of Aberdeenshire, where the winds howl and the rains pour relentlessly, lies Formartine United Football Club, a beacon of grassroots football passion in the Scottish Highlands.

Despite a modest budget and a mere two months of sun (if they’re lucky!), Formartine FC has defied the odds with their pitch, recently bestowed with the prestigious Gold status by the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

OAS Products and Formartine FC's Journey to Gold

OAS Products and Formartine FC’s Journey to Gold

Behind this remarkable achievement is not just hard work and dedication but a revolutionary approach to pitch management, rooted in organic principles and powered by Symbio products, a subsidiary of Origin Amenity Solutions (OAS).

Leading the charge is the Head Groundsman of Formartine United FC Paul Fiske. With 35 years of greenkeeping and grounds management experience, including a 22-year tenure as the former head groundskeeper at Aberdeen FC, Paul’s passion knows no bounds. For the past six years, he has tended to Formartine’s pitch, with unwavering support from committee members and volunteers who share his dedication to excellence.

Formartine United Football Club is a semi-professional Scottish senior association football club currently playing in the Highland Football League but with ambitious plans to make higher leagues through the pyramid system.

Despite operating on a modest budget, the football club based in Pitmedden prioritises the maintenance of its grounds above all else, thanks to a chairman who understands the importance of investing in quality infrastructure and spends more on the pitch than other teams in its league.

Paul’s partnership with OAS dates back 15 years to when he began working with Symbio’s technical representatives. He has a bespoke programme tailored to Formartine’s unique challenges which incorporates a range of biological products including Mycorrhizae Inoculant, Mycrogro fertiliser, Compost Teas and Liquid Aeration, and biostimulants like CMS Shoot and Seaweed.

“Our programme works,” says Paul Fiske. “It is well regarded that our pitch is the best in our league. It is a soil-based pitch with minimal disease. We tweak things as necessary. The changing weather means it is not an exact science. The Symbio Mycorrhizae Inoculant is truly an unbelievable product – It really accelerates grass establishment and speeds up the pitch renovation process. It’s not a cheap option, but the results speak for themselves. With the short window for pitch renovations, every day counts, and the Mycorrhizae Inoculant ensures that we get the job done efficiently.”

Complementing the Mycorrhizae Inoculant is Mycrogro fertiliser, which provides essential nutrients for robust plant growth, and Compost Tea, which promotes soil health and biodiversity. Liquid Aeration, a noninvasive alternative to mechanical aeration, helps alleviate soil compaction by stimulating microbial activity and improving water infiltration, ensuring optimal playing conditions throughout the season.

Navigating the unpredictable Scottish weather, where rainfall has reached unprecedented levels, Paul relies on OAS’s innovative solutions to keep the pitch in play. Liquid Aeration and products like HydroAid play a crucial role in managing water movement and promoting optimal soil health, ensuring that the pitch remains resilient despite adverse weather conditions. “I have needed to use more Liquid Aeration than usual, but it’s important to use it at the right time; I watch the forecast closely and apply products ahead of the weather. HydraAid and Liquid Aeration are fantastic for pulling the water off the surface and speeding up percolation.”

Looking ahead, Formartine United F.C. harbours ambitions of climbing the ranks. Paul reflects on their journey and says “The results speak for themselves. Despite the challenging climate and heavy usage, Formartine’s pitch boasted an impressive 90% grass coverage when the 2023/24 season drew to a close. It’s clear to see that the pitch is actually performing better than some topflight Scottish clubs, even ones in the same region with bigger and better resources and less usage” concludes Paul, “given the usage Formartine gets, it’s a credit to the unwavering support of the chairman, the organic products from OAS, hard work and good working practices carried out with professionalism.”

Formartine United FC is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion, innovation, and a little help from nature. As they continue to defy expectations and chase their footballing dreams, one thing is certain – their pitch will always be a source of pride and envy for many clubs in their league and higher across Scotland.

If you would like OAS to help compile a programme for you, call the team on 0800 138 7222 or email sales@originamenity.com

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Reesink gold maintenance package adds to deal

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Reesink gold maintenance package adds to deal: Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club in Kent is starting afresh to cut grass well, says General Manager Steve Bootes, as it welcomes a full fleet of Toro mowers, all supported by Reesink’s ReeAssure Gold machinery maintenance package to safeguard and secure its investment. 

Steve says he and Head Greenkeeper Paul Best, had been considering Toro for several years: “Previously, we’ve leased our machinery but since the COVID price increases we knew we need to change our strategy and purchase our next fleet, but this brings in a new set of factors to consider such as machinery longevity. For that, we knew it had to be Toro.”

Reesink gold maintenance package adds to deal

Reesink gold maintenance package adds to deal

Paul picks up the story: “We needed to make the premium choice and speaking with colleagues at other clubs they reassured me from first-hand experience that Toro could be relied on; I had people telling me they have machines 16+ years old and still going strong.”

The machinery choices the club made cover all aspects that mowing the course requires and were made with the simple premise of “cutting well” says Steve: “We’re starting afresh here and the main thing we needed to get right was getting a good, consistent cut across the course – and we knew we could trust Toro to deliver.”

Paul says: “We have seven push up greens, nine old USGA greens with a much older root zone and drainage issues, and then three new free draining bench walled USGA greens; so mowers that can cope with individual challenges on a hole by hole basis and provide a consistency of cut are vital. The Greensmaster 3250 mowers excel in delivering a true cut every time. There are no marks or indentations, and the groomers don’t dig in. Even with growth regulators used and favourable weather for grass growth, the quality is always there.”

Joining two Greensmaster 3250 mowers are two Reelmaster 3575 mowers, two Reelmaster 3100 mowers and a Groundsmaster 4000.

The club expanded its deal to include Reesink’s ReeAssure Gold machinery maintenance package, about which Paul says: “We wanted the back up and support of experts in the field and that’s what Reesink’s technicians are. We’ve spread the cost and planned the monthly fee into our budget to ensure our machinery is always optimised. After five years we will come out of the plan and our fully-owned machines will be in the best possible shape for the future.”

Paul adds: “I’m 42 and have been at the club for 25 years. I know this course like the back of my hand and have built a team that best serves it and brings a positive attitude to getting the job done. The only thing missing was a quality fleet of machinery. I truly believe these machines from Toro will outsee me for retirement!”

Reesink’s Richard Wood says: “I’m delighted to welcome Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Golf Club to Toro and the Reesink support network. When it comes to machinery longevity, you’d be hard pushed to find better than Toro, and similarly when it comes to machinery maintenance there’s nothing to rival the full service, but economical option Reesink provides.”

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Carbon Gold partners with Westland Horticulture

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Carbon Gold partners with Westland Horticulture: Carbon Gold, the world’s leading biochar brand, is proud to announce a new partnership with Westland Horticulture.

Established in 2007, Carbon Gold has pioneered advancements in the biochar industry, achieving B-Corp certification and earning The King’s Royal Warrant. Their Soil Association-approved products, underpinned by nearly two decades of research and development, have set industry standards for sustainable soil management.

Carbon Gold partners with Westland Horticulture

Carbon Gold partners with Westland Horticulture

This partnership marks a significant milestone as it introduces a range of enriched biochar products to conventional garden retailers for the first time. Home gardeners will now have accessible solutions to naturally improve the health of their soil, sequester carbon and mitigate climate in a simple, accessible and sustainable way.

Biochar production is a scientifically verified Negative Emissions Technology CO2 removal process, recognised as a Nature Based Solution. By converting unutilised woody biomass into biochar through net negative pyrolysis technology, Carbon Gold removes CO2 from the atmosphere. Biochar serves as a carbon sink when integrated into soil or substrates, contributing to environmental sustainability.

For over a decade, Carbon Gold products have been used professionally by commercial fruit and vegetable growers, professional tree growers, sports turf such as Premier League football clubs, racing and golf courses and in urban landscaping. Home growers and gardeners will now have greater access to enriched biochar products which rejuvenate tired soils and compost, naturally hold water in summer months and allow for quicker rooting when planting out.

Westland, a world-leader in peat-free technology, sees this partnership with Carbon Gold as a strategic enhancement to its portfolio, bolstering offerings for consumers and professional growers alike while reinforcing Westland’s dedication to sustainable horticulture.

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director at Westland Horticulture commented: “Enriched biochar has an important role to play in the future of sustainable gardening. Carbon Gold has developed a range of environmentally conscious products that we will bring to many gardeners going forward. This collaboration again places Westland at the forefront of
consumer horticulture and displays our commitment to delivering real, sustainable gardening.”

Executive Chairman, Craig Sams, added: “We’re excited for this partnership with Westland – as a leader in the horticulture industry and a business that shares our goals, we’re confident that working together will encourage gardeners to choose a more environmentally-friendly approach, with biochar at its heart. Biochar has the potential to make a significant contribution to this CO2 removal, using the soil for carbon capture and storage. That is our mission.”

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Origin Amenity Solutions go for gold

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Origin Amenity Solutions go for gold: Origin Amenity Solutions has announced that the company is now a gold member of the BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association) Regional Patron Scheme for 2023.

As part of the scheme, Origin Amenity Solutions, a leading supplier to the UK amenity, turf, and sports markets, will attend and support BIGGA in their regional events across the UK, which will include a mix of seminars, education workshops and golf days.

Origin Amenity Solutions go for gold

Origin Amenity Solutions go for gold

Origin Amenity Solutions brings together four well established industry leading brands, Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, Symbio and Turfkeeper to offer greenkeepers and groundsmen access to a single supplier for all the advice and products needed for a robust management programme. The group is supported by a number of agronomists, product specialists and a Research and Development centre to offer their customers a unique holistic approach.

Commenting on the scheme, Commercial Director Andy Russell said: “We are a resolute supporter of BIGGA and of raising the profile of greenkeepers within the industry. It is important that schemes like this exist to provide learning and networking opportunities for members and peers across the industry and I am proud to support the Regional Patron Scheme. Our national coverage will allow us to support events across all five regions.”

Lauren Frazer, Head of Business Development at BIGGA, adds, “Origin Amenity Solutions are a Premium Partner of BIGGA and support many events and initiatives.  I am delighted that they are involved with the Regional Patron Scheme – it’s always good to see a market leader and big brand name give something back and lend their support to such worthwhile schemes. Education and training opportunities are essential for the professional development of our members and the Origin team has a lot of experience and knowledge to share.”

For more information visit www.originamenity.com

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Sunflower ‘Desire Red’ wins Fleuroselect GOLD!

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Sunflower ‘Desire Red’ wins Fleuroselect GOLD!: The Burpee Europe team are relentless in their mission to breed varieties of magnificence with which to tempt home gardeners everywhere! And this year they have done it again!  

The brand new, compact sunflower ‘Desire Red’ is so fabulous that it has won a much coveted Fleuroselect Gold Medal, scores are awarded for outstanding innovation, beauty and garden performance.

Sunflower 'Desire Red' wins Fleuroselect GOLD!

Sunflower ‘Desire Red’ wins Fleuroselect GOLD!

A truly stunning breakthrough in sunflower breeding, this is the first compact red variety suitable for planting or sowing in both beds and borders as well as in larger patio containers. This winner can be cultivated very successfully as a high-quality pot plant, especially in 3-litre containers, but is also suitable for production in smaller pots.

Plants flower for a period of 6-8 weeks and have proven performance from Sweden to Southern Italy in Fleuroselect Trials.  This sensational dwarf Helianthus dazzles with its innovative, unique deep red flowers.  This high performer is an early, profusely flowering variety, new blooms form continuously on its multiple branches well into autumn, and blend wonderfully with its dark green foliage.

This sunflower is perfect for pollinators, who will be able to enjoy the long flowering time.  ‘Desire Red’ makes a very attractive combination with Burpee bred ‘Sunray’ or ‘Tiger Eye’ and adds a deep red to the sunflower palette.

Seeds are available now from Plants of Distinction, with additional seed companies selling ‘Desire Red’ soon

Burpee Europe do not sell direct to the consumer, but their seeds are sold via top UK seed companies. Details of these on request from rabbitattackpr@gmail.com or 07895184395

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